Lilium 'Black Beauty' is a magnificent, vigorous lily producing numerous dark crimson-red to blackish-maroon flowers on exceptionally tall, strong stems. The dramatically recurved petals give the blooms a Turk's-cap-like appearance, while narrow white margins and a contrasting green throat provide striking definition to the dark colouring.

Reaching an impressive 150-200cm tall, 'Black Beauty' is a superb architectural lily for the back of a border. The flowers are also fragrant and carried in generous numbers once plants become established, making this an excellent choice for both garden display and cutting.

• Botanical name: Lilium 'Black Beauty'
• Common name: Lily 'Black Beauty'
• Plant type: Bulbous perennial
• Flower colour: Dark crimson-red to maroon with white margins and a green throat
• Flowering time: Late summer
• Height: Approximately 150-200cm
• Spread: Approximately 45-60cm
• Fragrance: Scented
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil
• Ideal for: Borders, large containers and cut flowers

About Lilium 'Black Beauty'

'Black Beauty' is a classic tall-growing lily with flowers reminiscent of Lilium speciosum. The blooms are strongly recurved, with the petals sweeping backwards to expose long greenish stamens and prominent dark anthers.

The colouring is especially dramatic. Rich crimson and deep maroon dominate the centre of each flower, becoming so dark in places that the blooms can appear almost black from a distance. A fine white edge runs around each tepal, while a fresh green centre provides a sharp contrast.

A Tall Architectural Lily

At up to 2 metres tall, 'Black Beauty' is ideal for introducing strong vertical structure to summer borders. The flower stems rise well above surrounding perennials, allowing the recurved flowers to be clearly seen even towards the back of a planting scheme.

Established plants can carry numerous blooms on branching stems, producing an increasingly impressive display as the bulbs mature. Planting several bulbs together creates a particularly dramatic effect.

Where to Plant Lilium 'Black Beauty'

Choose a position in full sun or partial shade. Lilies perform best in fertile soil containing plenty of organic matter, with enough moisture to support their rapid summer growth but good drainage around the bulbs.

They are particularly effective in mixed herbaceous borders, where lower-growing plants can help shade the soil around the base while the lily stems grow upwards into the light.

A location sheltered from the strongest winds is beneficial because mature 'Black Beauty' plants can become very tall and carry substantial flower heads.

How to Plant Black Beauty Lily Bulbs

Plant the bulbs approximately 15cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. Allow around 20-30cm between bulbs when planting in groups.

Lily bulbs do not have a protective dry outer skin like tulips or daffodils, so they are best planted promptly after arrival rather than being left to dry out.

On heavy soils, incorporate grit and organic matter to improve drainage. A layer of garden compost or well-rotted organic material can also help retain moisture during the growing season.

Height and Spread

Lilium 'Black Beauty' reaches approximately 150-200cm tall and can develop a spread of around 45-60cm when established. Its considerable height makes it most suitable for the middle or back of larger borders.

Fragrant Flowers for Cutting

The flowers are scented and make impressive cut stems. Their recurved petals and unusual dark colouring give arrangements a very different appearance from conventional trumpet or Oriental lilies.

If cutting flowers for the house, leave as much foliage as possible on the remaining stem. The leaves are needed to replenish the bulb and build reserves for the following year's growth.

After Flowering

Remove individual faded flowers if you do not want the plant to produce seed, but leave the green stems and foliage untouched. Allow them to yellow and die back naturally before cutting the stems down.

Once established in suitable soil, the bulbs can remain permanently in the ground and should return each year, often becoming more impressive as they mature.

Why Grow Lilium 'Black Beauty'?

• Dramatic dark crimson-maroon flowers
• Elegant strongly recurved petals
• Distinctive white tepal margins
• Contrasting green flower centres
• Scented summer blooms
• Exceptionally vigorous growth
• Impressive height of 150-200cm
• Spread of approximately 45-60cm
• Excellent architectural plant for the back of borders
• Superb for cutting

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does Lilium 'Black Beauty' grow?
It is a particularly tall and vigorous lily, generally reaching around 150-200cm when established.

What is the spread of 'Black Beauty'?
A mature plant can develop a spread of approximately 45-60cm.

What colour are the flowers?
The recurved flowers are rich crimson-red to very dark maroon, with narrow white margins and contrasting green centres.

Is Lilium 'Black Beauty' scented?
Yes. The flowers are fragrant, adding another dimension to their dramatic appearance.

Where should I plant 'Black Beauty'?
Choose full sun or partial shade in fertile, humus-rich soil that retains some moisture while draining freely. A position sheltered from strong winds is useful because of its height.

Can Lilium 'Black Beauty' be grown in pots?
Yes, although its eventual size means a large, deep and stable container is required. It is generally at its best planted directly into a border.

Does 'Black Beauty' return every year?
Yes. It is a perennial lily and can remain in the ground year-round in suitable well-drained conditions, often developing into a larger and more impressive plant over time.

With its towering stems, scented blackish-red flowers, white-edged recurved petals and contrasting green centres, Lilium 'Black Beauty' is a spectacular lily for creating height and drama in the summer garden.